Callie the Cat here! Today, I composed my first ever post! I am going to share a wonderful story as well as provide a guide with essentials you need before bringing home your newly adopted cat. So what do you say, let’s jump right into the guide!
Essentials you need before adopting a cat:
- Food - Just a small bag and keep the receipt in case your cat does not like it or is suppose to have something different.
- Food dishes - One for food and one for water, I prefer the water bowl to be bigger than the food bowl in case I’m gone for the day/night, the cat will have enough water to hold them over. You can opt for a time-release food bowl for the same reason if you have one of those cats who will eat everything in the bowl and not pace themselves. My cat only eats when he is hungry so I can fill the bowl and it will last him a few days.
- Litter box - For obvious reasons….
- Litter - Again, for obvious reasons…
- A cat bed or blanket - Something that is designated just for the cat.
- Cat carrier - Most humane societies want you to have a way to transport the cat you adopt safely. If unsure of the size, always size up.
- Medication- Some cats may require medication, whether it is for a physical need or a behavioral need, it is important for you to have it before bring your cat home. Talking to the humane society/shelter staff can help you with this.
- Veterinarian - This might not seem like something you should have before you adopt but take the time and do your due diligence when picking out a veterinary service. Perhaps you already go to a great one with your other/previous animals. If not, ask around - recommendations go a long way!
- Air purifier - To help keep down cat dander and odor.
- Collar/Tags - It’s best to get these after you get a cat and know what size collar to get. Is it a boy or girl cat? And, what their name is and get a special tag created with their name and your phone number in case the cat gets loose.
- Climbing Tree- This product can be an expensive purchase. Waiting until one goes on sale may be a good option.
- A toy or two - To help with the adjustment and bonding time.
- Scratching post of some kind - You never know if the cat you adopt is going to be declawed or not, so you can wait to see if this is an item your cat would enjoy, but consider getting one to deter your cat from forming bad habit!
- Treat Toys - Toys designed to facilitate play and exercise - plus treats!
- Treats - Once you know what your cat likes - stock up on them when they go on sale!
- Toys - Perhaps your first few days/weeks, your cat takes a liking to a specific toy, figure out what component they especially enjoy and stock up on like toys.
- More Food - Which food sits well with your new friend? Do they seem okay with what you previously picked out? Do they have any dietary needs?
- Understanding - It is possible that your cat will have an adjustment time from being in a rescue/humane society setting to being in their own home. So, keep that in mind as they may go into hiding or be cautious of you. Never try to conform a cat’s personality to some sort of idea of what you think they should be - usually that is nothing but a recipe for disaster!
I know that there are many other items that could go on these list, but here is the most popular items that new pet owners need to think of.
My Aunt Zim has always lived in a house where dogs and cats were running about. When she moved this summer into her own apartment she no longer had a furry companion. After working with her housing manager, she was given the green light, allowing her to have a cat. After looking at the local humane societies online and knowing she could only have a declawed cat in her apartment, she found a shelter that had a couple of cats she wanted to take a look at. But, before she could, Aunt Zim wanted to get the basics just in case she went home with a cat. With her help we came up with the above list to help others in her place.
Well, Aunt Zim did go to the humane society and after looking at a couple of cats she immediately fell in love with Sassoon, formerly known as Turtle. Now I know what you are thinking, “What kind of name is Sassoon?” Well, Aunt Zim is a historian, librarian, college history professor, and runs her own website, “History By Zim.” So it was only natural that she named her new cat after her favorite World War 1 poet, Siegfried Sassoon.
We don’t know all of Sassoon’s history other than he was once adopted, but was returned shortly to the humane society. Sassoon does struggled with anxiety and is on medication twice a day to help. Aunt Zim was also told that he only does things on his terms and is very shy. Knowing that he does have some special needs, Aunt Zim brought him home. Within the first 30 minutes, he was sitting in the middle of the living room floor holding court over everyone! To say that the humans were shocked is an understatement, especially after the humane society said it might take him weeks to warm up and he might stay in ‘hiding’ until he gets comfortable.
Now, Sassoon is a happy cat who loves snuggling when Aunt Zim is preparing lectures, watching TV, or just reading. He rules the apartment and believes all ice cream is for him. The two of them are inseparable and are having their own “Happily Ever After!”
Humane society are bustling with many wonderful, loving animals waiting for their forever home. Please consider adoption!
Thank you for checking out my first post! This was so much fun blogging, I really hope Spencer the Goldendoodle lets me make more guest appearances and share more cat perspectives on his blog.
Please let Spencer know how I did below!
Today I’m joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop hosted by BlogPaws.
